Overview of The Beatles
The Beatles are one of the most influential and successful bands of all time, producing some of the most recognisable and best-selling albums. The Beatles gained global fame in the 1960s and revolutionised popular music with their unique sound, a mix of jazz, folk, blues and pop. The band have sold an estimated 600 million singles and albums, and the worldwide success of their recordings has earned them the title of the best-selling band in history. The band were comprised of four members: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. The Beatles released eighteen Official Studio Albums between the years 1963–1970.
The Beatles have become one of the first and most successful ‘crossover’ acts of their time, challenging the definition of most of the pre-existing music genres. Their influence on popular culture and music in general has been monumental. After the band’s dissolution in 1970, the solo music careers of the four members continued to shine, and as a result, the Beatles have gone on to impact future generations when it comes to popular music. The Beatles’ creative legacy has been revolutionary and immeasurable in many facets.
Apple Music
Apple Music is a streaming service owned by Apple Inc, which offers users access to millions of songs, albums, and playlists in the Apple Music Library. It was launched in 2015 as a way to access music legally and easily in an online form, with the advantage of skipping the wait for downloads, or paying for physical copies. To do so, users are required to create an account and pay a subscription fee each month. The platform offers various radio-like features, such as radio stations, exclusive playlists, and personalized playlists available to all customers. The CEO of Apple Inc, Tim Cook, has stated that Apple Music “brings the highest quality to the most people in the most countries.”
Are the Beatles on Apple Music?
The short answer is yes, the Beatles are on Apple Music. The Beatles may be one of the most iconic bands in music history, however they are not the easiest to find. As mentioned, the Beatles’ extensive discography consists of 18 studio albums, 9 live albums, 13 compilation albums, 25 EPs and 53 singles. Despite the impressive body of work, all of the albums can be found on the Apple Music library. As a result, it is possible to stream the Beatles’ music from any Apple devices as long as a user has an active Apple Music subscription.
The Beatles’ vast discography on Apple Music includes Harrison’s solo work, which was released following his departure from the band in 1968. This music included his triple album ‘All Things Must Pass’, alongside individual works such as ‘Wonderwall Music’, ‘Living in the Material World’, and ‘Cloud Nine’. The streaming platform also includes music from the Beatles spin-off band ‘The Travelling Wilburys’.
The Beatles and Streaming Platforms – The Story So Far
The Beatles’ iconic tracks have been absent from streaming services for a long time due to copyright issues. This marked a period during which the Beatles were only slightly available online. However, in 2017, the band inked an agreement to make its extensive catalogue available on multiple streaming services including Apple Music. This marked a historic moment, as this was the first time that the Beatles’ music was digitalised and brought forth to the internet for listeners to access. Apple Music was one of the first streaming platforms to receive access to the Beatles’ catalogue, and this music can now be heard in various corners of the service and will be included in the playlists it creates for users.
Being a Beatles Fan on Apple Music
Apple Music has a selection of Beatles playlists for its users, making it easier for Beatles fans to access their beloved music more easily. The playlists are specifically curated for the Beatles fan, and range from ‘Inspired by The Beatles’ to ‘Songs from Beatles Films’. These playlists have been created for one’s convenience, and will keep updating as new content from the Beatles is released or uncovered. If desired, users can also focus solely on the Beatles by creating their own playlists. This can be done by visiting the Beatles’ profile page and playing songs from albums or creating a personalised list.
Receiving the Beatles
The reaction to the appearance of the Beatles’ music on Apple Music has been one of joy and anticipation. It has been previously noted that Apple Music now offers more than 800 artist exclusives, and this includes is an entire library of ‘special’ recordings by the Fab Four. The audience has also been willing to give feedback and ‘add to the buzz’ with their own personal anecdotes about the Beatles’ music. This new generation of music inquisitors has become a great army of music supporters and Beatles fans who, however, agree on one thing – the importance of the Beatles’ music.
Changing Times
It is clear that times have changed and that the Beatles’ music is more accessible than ever for fans. Likewise, technology has drastically improved the way people experience music, with streaming services being the most convenient way for consumers to access it. Thus, music can be enjoyed on the go, wherever one happens to be and at whatever time they might please. Streamed music affects people in different ways, and as technology continues to grow, the potential to reach a wider audience also increases.
The Impact of Streaming
These ever changing times highlights the extraordinary impact that the Beatles’ music has had on the world. It is true that in today’s world, streaming has altered the dynamics of music, making it easier than ever to access music anytime and anywhere. Additionally, the experience of listening to the Beatles on Apple Music digitally marks the time and place in which the Beatles’ discography and overall genre has found its place in current society and culture. Apple Music’s experience of the Beatles is one of wit, comfort and liberation, and it is clear that streaming is here to stay.
The Future of the Beatles’ Music
It is clear that the relationship between the Beatles’ music and streaming platforms is growing stronger and stronger. The emergence of the Beatles’ catalogue on streaming locations such as Apple Music has meant a spike in music access to a wider audience. The Beatles’ music has and will remain a focal point of the music industry, and as such, it should be celebrated and enjoyed. Apple Music has opened up a new world of vintage sounds that can now be accessed at anytime, and it is safe to say that the near future will only bring more Beatles music.
Going Solo
After the Beatles’ break-up, the individual members pursued successful solo careers. The members released a surprising breadth of music during this period. John Lennon released a total of 9 solo studio albums with his last posthumous album released in 1984, twenty years after the Beatles’ dissolution. Paul McCartney also released 9 studio albums and 8 live albums between 1971-2013. In addition to these impressive solo works, the former members collaborated with other artists and released a vast selection of music from this period.
Reunited As One
The Beatles are still the most successful band in history, and have no intention of slowing down. Despite the band’s physical break-up, the four members have continued to represent the spirit of the band through collaborations, including the posthumous merging of John Lennon and George Harrison’s vocals on ‘Free as a Bird’ and ‘Real Love’. Lastly, the members of the Beatles currently sit on the same Apple Music label, and as such, they represent a still powerful, still relevant, and still loved group from the 60s.
Conclusion
For decades, the Beatles have captivated listeners with their music and stories, and that same magic is still present today. Apple Music has opened up a portal to the Beatles’ past, reigniting the passion of the Beatles with a new generation of listeners. The Beatles may have disbanded in the 70s, yet their upbeat music and spirit continues to inspire us. It’s an undeniable fact that the Beatles are still the most influential and authentically beloved band of all-time.
